FOCUS: 4 TIPS to ACHIEVE GREATER SUCCESS

One of the biggest concerns of coaching clients is staying on task to reach specific goals. In today’s modern world of technology, the  constant beeping, buzzing, texting, emailing and tweeting make it difficult to concentrate.

But all things are possible! Try these strategies to stay focused the next time you’re challenged in reaching your goals:

1.     Narrow your list. Focus on 1-3 major goals that you hope to achieve within a designated time frame. This ensures that you aren't spreading yourself too thin, and as a result, losing your motivation.

2.     Break down your goals into a series of smaller steps. You’ll feel less overwhelmed and this makes reaching your ultimate goal that much easier.

3.     Get an accountability partner to share your experiences with as you work towards your goal. Ideally, this person will be someone who can encourage you when obstacles arise and celebrate your successes with you along the way.

4.     Create a goal board. This is an inspiring visual reminder of why you created your goals in the first place. Fill it with pictures and other images that help you maintain your enthusiasm and focus.

It takes hard work and consistent effort to achieve major goals. Remember you get what you focus on so focus on what you want!

For support to reach your goals for success connect with me at coachadrean@gmail.com or schedule here for a free consultation.

IS YOUR EGO IN THE WAY OF CAREER SUCCESS?

We are constantly making decisions to determine the best pathways and solutions that will lead to our success. And it’s not always easy to tell if our choices are coming from the right place. Follow your ego and you might be successful in many ways, but you’re likely to find yourself wondering why you’re not as happy as you think you should be. However, if you follow your intuition, your life is likely to be more enjoyable and meaningful.

Learning to determine whether you’re being guided by intuition or ego can make a huge difference in your career. While there are no hard and fast rules to make the distinction, there are tendencies that can serve as a guide. Consider these differences:

1.     Ego-based decisions are grounded in fear and self-preservation. If you decide to go to medical school primarily for reasons of financial security, that’s ego. If you decide to not ask for the promotion, that’s ego. Intuitive thoughts feel calm, relaxed, and peaceful.

2.     Ego-based decisions typically have emotion connected to them resulting in nervous or anxious feelings. A choice made from a place of intuition just feels “right” and often comes out of left field. You might be surfing the internet and be hit with the idea of becoming an artist. The resulting battle in your head is your ego fighting back.

3.     Ego-based decisions involve rationalization. Your ego is wonderful at convincing you that its choice is the right one. “I’ll never get that job. Imagine how disappointed I’ll feel when it doesn’t work out. People like me are destined to only be supervisors, but there’s nothing wrong with that. I can still have a decent life.” It’s really just a rationalization based on fear – fear of success or fear of failure.

4.     Ego-based decisions consider external results. Are you writing a book in order to have a bestseller? Are you taking an action to gain certain results from others? A thought or decision arising from intuition is based on internal results. You’ll write a book because you’re fascinated with the idea not whether or not it will be a best seller. You’ll take an action because it will provide you with self-satisfaction not to gain outside attention.

5.     The ego tries to justify itself with facts, figures, and logic. Intuition doesn’t require these tricks to compel you. It doesn’t involve judgment statements about right or wrong, good or bad. If you’re using logic to convince yourself of a course of action, you can bet that’s your ego talking.

While the ego can be very limiting, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s wrong. Remember that the ego’s motivation is largely based on self-preservation. Your ego believes that it has your best interests at heart. The trick is to realize when your ego is holding you back from something bigger and better. Think before choosing which voice to follow and use these tips to help you make a decision that will bring you true happiness and career success.

The Power of Affirmations and Positive Thinking

An affirmation is a declaration that when repeated can create changes in your thoughts, improvements in your life and success for your future. Affirmations give you power, strength and courage to BELIEVE more, ACHIEVE more and BE more. It is literally a way of reprogramming your mind. Think about raising a child – in rearing you often say No. "No! Don’t touch that." "No! Don’t put that in your mouth." "No! Don’t say that." We learn by the negative. So now we have to train our brains for yes.

According to the World Health Organization, the cost of stress on the American economy is $300 billion. A separate study finds that 80% of employees are unhappy with their current work situation. Fifty percent of all marriages in the United States end in divorce. And suicide is the leading cause of death among adolescents. There is at least one commonality within these depressing statistics. It is this - somewhere a decision was made to believe something other than the best was possible for the situation. This means someone gave up on their dreams, hopes, relationship, thoughts, potential and opportunity.

Don't put limits on yourself. Affirmations and positive thinking are vital tools for success in life. It is believing the best. It’s about having courage in yourself and your abilities. You must declare it. "Yes! I can achieve that goal." "Yes! I can resist that slice of chocolate cake." "Yes! I will ace the next job interview!"

Believing is half the battle. The other half is action. Get in motion and stay in motion so you can experience the best of life. For most it is not an overnight process. It takes time and practice. Positive thinking must become a habit. You have to think about what you are thinking about!

If you want to experience more joy, success and career advancement learn to declare victory over the challenges. Develop a habit of affirming yourself. Replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts. Don't believe everything that comes into your mind.

Try these simple affirmations to get started:
• I am happy
• I am healthy
• I am loved
• I am courageous
• I am capable
• I am smart

Change your thoughts and you will change your life! For more affirmations visit Affirmyourlife.blogspot.com.